Juneau, Alaska, is the only capital in the United States accessible only by ship and plane, and with an estimated population in 2011 of more than 32,000 people, Juneau is at once a government town and a close-knit fishing community. Virtually every cruise ship in Alaska stops in Juneau, creating a vital tourism industry. Whether you are interested in glacier hiking or flight-seeing, learning Juneau’s history or going whale watching, Juneau truly offers something for everyone.

Glacier Tours

Catch a bus or taxi to Mendenhall Glacier, located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau. The National Park Service operates a visitor center that gives detailed information on the glacier, while maintained hiking trails provide excellent photo opportunities. The Photo Point Trail is a paved, flat walk to a glacier overlook, and is entirely handicap-accessible. The visitor center also is accessible.

If you want to try walking on a glacier, private companies offer glacier hikes on the Juneau Icefield, connected to Mendenhall Glacier. Or choose a helicopter tour combined with dog sledding on the icefield.

Walking Tours

If you are up for a hike, consider taking a walking tour of Juneau. Guided history walks depart on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from the Juneau-Douglas City Museum throughout the summer tourist season. If you prefer to go on your own, free self-guided walking maps are distributed at the visitor kiosk on South Franklin Street near the cruise terminal. Note that Juneau is mountainous and some streets are extremely steep. Use caution and rest as needed.

Boat Tours

Boat tours of Juneau run the gamut from whale-watching cruises to kayaking trips to Mendenhall Glacier. Alaska is well-known for its spectacular fishing opportunities, and fishing tours in Juneau often fill up well in advance. Custom cruise charters allow you to combine multiple interests in a single tour, although prices can be high. Share the charter with friends to minimize costs.

Bus Tours

Sightseeing tours of Juneau depart from South Franklin Street, just steps from the cruise terminal. Tour buses depart frequently throughout the day, so there is no need to make advance reservations. Buy your tickets at any of the tour company kiosks and be sure to negotiate the price. Tours visit the log cabin Chapel by the Lake and Homestead Park, which was part of a 1915 homestead claim by a Finnish immigrant, before reaching Mendenhall Glacier. The narrated tours are an excellent way to learn more of the city’s history.

Mount Roberts

There is much more to Mount Roberts than meets the eye. Ride an aerial tram 1,800 feet to the top of the mountain, then enjoy a wide range of activities. Catch a film that explains the history of the native Tlingit people in the visitor center, then shop for handmade souvenirs. Between films, enjoy performances by local musicians. Outside, visit the nature center to learn about the Tongass National Forest, the temperate rain forest of which Juneau is a part. Hiking trails lead to spectacular overlooks and wildlife spotting, but use caution. The trails are rocky and muddy. Your admission ticket includes unlimited use of the tram and all activities for the entire day.

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About the Author

Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer specializing in disabled adventure travel. She spent 15 years working for Central Florida theme parks and frequently travels with her disabled father. Fritscher's work can be found in both print and online mediums, including VisualTravelTours.com. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of South Florida.